October 13 – A Biblical Worldview Microcosm

        Psalm 73:16-17 – “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me, till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny”. (NIV, 1973)

        Have you ever pondered deeply about why certain persons or classes of people prosper or why other cultures seem to perpetually struggle for survival? What about the carefree attitude of many people in our own country? What about your co-workers who are so wrapped up in following the Hollywood “elite”? I could ask many more questions about what we see happening around us.

        The writer of Psalm 73 is asking the same question, wondering why certain people that he deemed wicked, would prosper greatly within a culture that started out following God, but then largely falling away from living by his ways and commands. He is obviously thinking that any pagan can do well, even as this person thumbs his nose at God. That thought is predicated upon the idea that God only blesses those who embrace his righteous ways. So what gives, when that idea goes by the wayside?

        Psalm 73, overall, is a small summary of the biblical worldview of personal destiny and how it comes about. Jesus ultimately showed us a more complete understanding of what the Old Testament writings were intimating. With that in mind, verses 2-12 can be understood in the light of Matthew 13:24-30, the story of the wheat and the weeds. God allowed both to grow up together. What follows verse 17 is a microcosm of man's destiny that Jesus described. Verses 18-20 are a vague way of describing hell (see Matt 7:13, 5:22, 5:30). Psalm 73:21-22 are a confession of our blindness in understanding God's ways. God has to take the scales from our eyes for us to see the truth and goodness of his word and worldview. Verses 23-26 describe the changed heart and secure state of a believer, who now desires to please God, living in his salvation.

        The final two verses once again summarize those who will be cast out of God's presence, and those who will enjoy his presence. As one reads the entirety of God's word, it is so refreshing to see the revealed truths of the New Testament in the partially concealed truth of the Old Testament. Psalm 73:1 surely points to Matthew 5:8 - “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”